Interview with Jacob Collier

In an insightful conversation with Colin and Samir, multi-Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier, often dubbed the "Mozart of Gen Z," peels back the curtain on his extraordinary journey. From uploading bedroom videos in 2013 to headlining global arenas, Jacob shares a philosophy of creation that prioritizes intuition, authentic contribution, and an unwavering curiosity over traditional paths to success. This interview isn't just about music; it's a masterclass in navigating the creative landscape with an open heart and a willingness to be surprised by oneself.

The Unscripted Start: YouTube as a Space for Self-Expression

Jacob Collier’s origin story isn't one of grand plans or industry blueprints, but rather a testament to the power of independent creation. Growing up, he cultivated a "cavernous nook" in his London home, a room brimming with musical potential where he filmed his early YouTube videos. His first viral hit, a multi-tracked a cappella cover of Stevie Wonder’s "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing," famously began with a screenshot showing "no views." This moment, Jacob explains, was born out of pure pride and the desire to share something he found profoundly "cool."

His initial approach to YouTube was about "contributing to a conversation," not chasing virality. He recalls a time when "YouTube was the broadest space for me to do things on my own terms," free from the pressures of algorithms or competitive psychology. This spirit of genuine offering, rather than extraction, defined his early work. As he reflects, "the value was found in how much does this wake up my soul like how interested am I in this."

Key Insights:

• Contribution over Extraction: Early YouTube success stemmed from a desire to share interesting work, not from a strategic attempt to "go viral."
• Intuition as a Guide: Jacob’s journey highlights following internal passion even when there's no clear path or industry precedent.
• Embracing the First Mark: Overcoming creative paralysis involves the courage to make initial mistakes rather than striving for perfection from the outset.

Charting an Intuitive Course: The Quincy Jones Connection and Montreux Debut

The impact of Jacob's authentic approach was undeniable. A few days after his Stevie Wonder cover garnered attention, he received a surreal email from Quincy Jones. What followed wasn't a standard industry meeting, but a deep dive into the nuances of music. Jacob laughs, recalling how Quincy immediately "was just curious about about like like hey man can you explain like what's the second chord of the you know." This moment wasn't about career moves, but pure "kinship," a shared language between two passionate musicians.

Despite this profound validation, Jacob made a surprising decision. When Quincy's team offered management, he respectfully declined. "I said no... I knew I didn't want to do that," he states, emphasizing a fierce desire to forge his own way, even if that way was undefined. He didn't have a plan, but he had a strong intuition. This independence led him to collaborate with MIT's Ben Bloomberg, creating the groundbreaking Vocal Harmonizer and a one-man show that debuted at the Montreux Jazz Festival—opening for his heroes, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. It was a baptism by fire, a 20-year-old performing for thousands with the legends watching, a true "shift command three moment."

Key Changes:

• Redefining Validation: True validation came from shared passion and understanding of his craft, not just industry recognition.
• Trusting the Inner Compass: Jacob prioritized his intuition over a conventional career path, even when presented with a "dream" opportunity.
• Collaborative Innovation: His partnership with Ben Bloomberg showcased a willingness to build new tools to express his unique musical vision.

The Constant Evolution of Creativity: Beyond the "Genius" Label

Jacob challenges the notion of "having it all figured out." He views his creative process as a continuous unfolding, a journey of constant surprise. "If you do what you're doing right you you're constantly surprised not only by your surrounding collaborators... but by yourself," he asserts. His self-taught approach to music mirrors this, emphasizing feeling over strict intellectual understanding. He cites a powerful quote from his own experience: "I used to think your ears dictate everything if you heard it you could play it if you give yourself a capacity that is greater than your ears then your ears sponge up all the technique and grow as well."

This fluid approach extends to his relationship with the "prodigy" and "genius" labels often applied to him. He sees them as impersonal, a way for people to "write them off as outside your understanding." For Jacob, genuine growth comes from being "seen and understood" as a flawed human, rather than elevated to an unapproachable pedestal. He believes that true creativity is "much more about Comfort... having permission to make mistakes and be cool with yourself being weird" than rigid discipline or inherent technical skill. His greatest gifts, he insists, stem from this emotional and intuitive side, not from being an "intellectual feat."

Key Learnings:

• Growth Mindset: Jacob views creative work as an ongoing process of self-discovery and surprises, rather than a destination.
• Intuition over Intellect: He prioritizes emotional connection and feeling in his music, believing that what one "feels is always closer to the real world than what you know."
• Deconstructing Labels: The "genius" label can be isolating; true growth comes from being seen and understood as a human being.

The Power of Authentic Connection: Jacob's Unique Stage Presence

Jacob's evolution from an "internal" performer at Montreux to his current, deeply interactive stage presence showcases his commitment to authenticity. He recalls his early shows where his energy flowed into the music, drawing the audience in. Now, his energy is a dynamic exchange, reflecting a profound comfort and openness. He explains that his "inherent energy has always been unwilling to be dishonest on stage," avoiding forced extroversion in favor of being "exactly who I am."

This commitment to honesty has fostered a unique bond with his audience, transforming concerts into communal experiences. He describes these moments as "when I'm conducting an audience of 5,000 and my voice is as big as everybody else's voice and they they come with me they lift me up I lift them up that feels that feels balanced to me." For Jacob, the highest reward isn't individual acclaim, but the shared elevation of collective creativity. This communal spirit, rooted in his palpable enthusiasm for music, is perhaps his greatest superpower, making his complex art accessible and deeply moving to all.

Key Practices:

• Authentic Stage Presence: Jacob built his connection with the audience by being genuinely himself, rather than adopting a performative persona.
• Audience as Collaborator: He sees his audience not just as spectators, but as active participants who contribute to the energy and experience of his live shows.
• Redefining "Making It": Success isn't just about accolades, but also about the small victories of daily creation and simply "being in my body."

"The moment you know who you are you stop learning." - Jacob Collier